BOURNEMOUTH will host two political conferences this September – the first time the resort has held an autumn party gathering since 2009.

The Liberal Democrats' visit to the BIC will be followed within days by the Green Party.

The Lib Dem conference from September 19-23 will be the first with a new leader.

Members will learn next month whether favourite Tim Farron or Norman Lamb will lead their efforts to recover from their devastating general election result, which saw them reduced from 57 seats in Parliament to just eight.

BIC bosses have previously said the conference is expected to bring more than 4,000 delegates to the town and contribute £10million to the economy

Siân Waddington, Head of Conferences for the Liberal Democrats said: “Bournemouth has always been a popular conference destination for our members and we’re looking forward to being back by the sea and working with the excellent team at the BIC again.

“We always receive fantastic support from them both in the run-up and during the event and we know how hands-on and committed they are to ensuring our conferences run smoothly.

“With Liberal Democrat membership increasing by over 30 per cent since polling day and this being the first conference with the newly elected leader, we have seen a record number of members register to attend already and are looking forward to what is undoubtedly going to be an exciting conference with a real buzz.”

The Green Party will bring its autumn conference to the BIC for the first time from September 25-28, with up to 2,000 visitors expected.

The party polled 1.1million votes at the general election but saw only one MP elected.

Green Party conference and events coordinator Louise Greenbaum said: “We’ve experienced unprecedented growth in our numbers during this election year. After record attendance at our spring conference in Liverpool earlier this year, we are now planning for up to 2,000 members to attend this autumn.

“Fortunately, Bournemouth International Centre has more than enough capacity to cope. Apart from its capacity and choice of spaces, the venue is a good choice for us as it has solid environmental credentials reflected in, for example, its impressive energy use management and sustainable catering provision.”

The Greens’ visit coincides with the ongoing debate about whether plans should be approved for a wind farm off the Dorset coast.

The conference is the first of a number of events booked through Business Events Bournemouth, launched last year as the town’s destination marketing, venue finding and delegate accommodation service.